What enzyme in saliva initiates starch digestion?

Salivary amylase is the enzyme in saliva responsible for initiating the digestion of starches. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into simpler sugars like maltose and dextrin. When food is chewed, salivary amylase is secreted by the salivary glands and mixes with the food. This digestive process begins in the mouth, which is essential for efficiently breaking down starches before they reach the stomach and intestines.

Other enzymes mentioned, such as pepsin, trypsin, and lingual lipase, play different roles in digestion. Pepsin acts in the stomach and is crucial for protein digestion, while trypsin operates in the small intestine and also focuses on protein breakdown. Lingual lipase, produced by glands on the tongue, begins the digestion of fats. Understanding the specific functions of salivary amylase clarifies its vital role in carbohydrate digestion as the first step in the digestive process.